Volleyball finishes season with grudge match vs. Sandy

The HRV volleyball team had something to prove coming into their season finale against Sandy -- especially the seniors.

Despite falling to the Pioneers at home on Sept. 17, the Eagles knew they were just as good a team, and were out to exact their revenge Oct. 25 in Sandy.

They scratched and clawed and did all the things it takes to win, but came up short after an exhausting three-game grudge match by the score of 13-15, 16-14, 10-15.

"We did some very good things and made some great hustle plays," coach Tracy Norton said. "Even though we would have like to end the season with a win, I was proud of our players’ effort."

Norton said she was impressed that her team came back to win game two after dropping a close game one. She also thought her team could have won game three, but made some mental errors late in the match that cost them.

"I would say the biggest difference in us not winning the third game was: one, a couple missed serves; two, poor choices as to who set; and three, weaker passing," she said.

HRV also could have come away with game one had a few breaks gone their way, but Norton commended Sandy's efforts in adjusting to the Eagles' net defense.

"Sandy made some great digs off some pretty tough hits from us," she said. "They also adjusted to our blocking by tipping against us, which was especially effective in the first game.

"Unfortunately, it seemed like any questionable call went Sandy's way last night," she said.

Although the breaks weren't in their favor against the Pioneers, the team can still take away a list of positives from the season's final match.

Continuing her late-season ascent, Lesley Betts led the team in kills once again with seven. Lindsey Sanguras and Stephanie Halici were also strong at the net, but really made their presence felt on the defensive end.

Sanguras led the team in digs with seven, while both she and Halici led the team in serve-receive, connecting on 80 percent of their passes.

Halici and Kara Herman led the team in serves, both firing at 100 percent.